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The Idlewood Duology #1
The Glittering Edge
The instant #1 Sunday Times bestseller, perfect for fans of Practical Magic and The Raven Boys!
Rumors are the lifeblood of Idlewood, Indiana. The locals whisper that the De Lucas are witches, and that decades prior they cursed the wealthy Barrion family as revenge for a love gone tragically wrong: now, if a Barrion falls in love with you, you’ll die. If this isn’t reason enough for wallflower Penny Emberly to stay away from both families, she doesn’t know what is. But when Penny’s mom is in an accident that leaves her on the brink of death, Penny can’t ignore the rumors anymore—because the Barrion curse is real. And her mom is its latest victim.
In order to save her mom’s life, Penny must bring together two bitter enemies on either side of the feud and work with them to break the curse. For star quarterback Corey Barrion, doing so would mean finally saving his family from the magic that killed his mom. And for misfit witch Alonso De Luca, it would mean convincing everyone in Idlewood—especially Penny—that he isn’t the villain they believe him to be.
But as the trio navigates Alonso’s unpredictable magic, the tangled web of Barrion-De Luca history, and an increasingly chaotic group chat, it soon becomes clear that the curse is not what they expected. Did a De Luca really curse the Barrions in a fit of jealousy, or is something even more sinister afoot? Penny will have to conquer her anxiety, wrestle with her budding feelings for Alonso, and delve into dangerous, forbidden magic to find the truth and save her mom — even if it means putting her own life at risk.
Rumors are the lifeblood of Idlewood, Indiana. The locals whisper that the De Lucas are witches, and that decades prior they cursed the wealthy Barrion family as revenge for a love gone tragically wrong: now, if a Barrion falls in love with you, you’ll die. If this isn’t reason enough for wallflower Penny Emberly to stay away from both families, she doesn’t know what is. But when Penny’s mom is in an accident that leaves her on the brink of death, Penny can’t ignore the rumors anymore—because the Barrion curse is real. And her mom is its latest victim.
In order to save her mom’s life, Penny must bring together two bitter enemies on either side of the feud and work with them to break the curse. For star quarterback Corey Barrion, doing so would mean finally saving his family from the magic that killed his mom. And for misfit witch Alonso De Luca, it would mean convincing everyone in Idlewood—especially Penny—that he isn’t the villain they believe him to be.
But as the trio navigates Alonso’s unpredictable magic, the tangled web of Barrion-De Luca history, and an increasingly chaotic group chat, it soon becomes clear that the curse is not what they expected. Did a De Luca really curse the Barrions in a fit of jealousy, or is something even more sinister afoot? Penny will have to conquer her anxiety, wrestle with her budding feelings for Alonso, and delve into dangerous, forbidden magic to find the truth and save her mom — even if it means putting her own life at risk.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2025
146 people are currently reading
12773 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Villaire
4 books72 followersAlyssa Villaire is a fantasy writer living in Los Angeles. Even though she’s based on the West Coast, most of her stories hearken back to where she grew up—the woods of rural Indiana, the rolling hills of Wisconsin, and the icy shores of Lake Huron. When she’s not writing, Alyssa is probably watching horror movies, eating spicy food, or waiting in a virtual Ticketmaster line.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
January 17, 2025
You better believe me when I say this book instilled the same level of obsession The Raven Boys brought out of me back in the day. This is the perfect blend of both that and Practical Magic, which I didn’t even realise I needed until now.
The Glittering Edge became a new favourite book within a matter of chapters, and I had the joy of experiencing that bubble of excitement you get when reading what is for sure about to end a 5 star read. For readers like me who love character driven stories, this is a book that will catch you and keep you entangled with our main trio and all of their shenanigans. The stakes are high, the familial and friend units are strong, and the occult themes are just perfect for this setting. Our teenagers actually feel like teens as they jump into their plans with abandon, and arguments between friends and parents hit where it hurts most. It’s all so seamlessly written, getting into the story and believing it wholeheartedly was truly effortless.
This is genuinely one of the best YA fantasy books I’ve read, and I implore every fan of The Raven Boys especially to give this a read.
P.S. I will defend Alonso with my LIFE
Thank you to the publisher for providing an e-copy of this book via NetGalley!
The Glittering Edge became a new favourite book within a matter of chapters, and I had the joy of experiencing that bubble of excitement you get when reading what is for sure about to end a 5 star read. For readers like me who love character driven stories, this is a book that will catch you and keep you entangled with our main trio and all of their shenanigans. The stakes are high, the familial and friend units are strong, and the occult themes are just perfect for this setting. Our teenagers actually feel like teens as they jump into their plans with abandon, and arguments between friends and parents hit where it hurts most. It’s all so seamlessly written, getting into the story and believing it wholeheartedly was truly effortless.
This is genuinely one of the best YA fantasy books I’ve read, and I implore every fan of The Raven Boys especially to give this a read.
P.S. I will defend Alonso with my LIFE
Thank you to the publisher for providing an e-copy of this book via NetGalley!
Currently reading
June 27, 2025Finally starting this! I honestly kind of think it will be a miss, but hopefully it will surprise me! 🤞🏻 I am kind of excited that it’s set in Indiana though, since that’s where I’m from. 🤗😆
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
It’s looking like my library doesn’t plan to buy this… trying to figure out how I’m gonna read this now as if I don’t have a special edition copy at home.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
It’s looking like my library doesn’t plan to buy this… trying to figure out how I’m gonna read this now as if I don’t have a special edition copy at home.
February 26, 2025
All you need to do to summon me is mention The Raven Boys
- feuding families
- light love triangle
- magic, witches and curses
- atmospheric small town
- anxiety rep
I read it in two sittings, it was so fun and fast. I definitely felt the Raven Boys vibes, I also really liked the layers to the mystery. The paranormal aspect was cool as well. Good thing there's a sequel after that cliffhanger!
Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
- feuding families
- light love triangle
- magic, witches and curses
- atmospheric small town
- anxiety rep
I read it in two sittings, it was so fun and fast. I definitely felt the Raven Boys vibes, I also really liked the layers to the mystery. The paranormal aspect was cool as well. Good thing there's a sequel after that cliffhanger!
Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Read
March 13, 2025firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
unfortunately, dnf @10%
sometimes you just know right away that you will not enjoy a book, and unfortunately i’ve read too many books to know right off the bat i would not enjoy the glittering edge despite the description intriguing me.
the writing was completely lackluster and did not grab my attention at all. not to mention i smelled the impending love triangle from the start.
i’m sure this book will find its audience, but it’s not me.
unfortunately, dnf @10%
sometimes you just know right away that you will not enjoy a book, and unfortunately i’ve read too many books to know right off the bat i would not enjoy the glittering edge despite the description intriguing me.
the writing was completely lackluster and did not grab my attention at all. not to mention i smelled the impending love triangle from the start.
i’m sure this book will find its audience, but it’s not me.
Read
January 18, 2025Hello! I wrote this book! And now that ARCs of THE GLITTERING EDGE are appearing in the world, I'm going to be stepping away from 카지노싸이트. I firmly believe this is a space for readers, not authors. Before I do that, I want to share some content warnings for anyone who is considering reading my debut novel. This same list will be added to Storygraph, Instagram, and my website.
Thanks, and happy reading!
***
CONTENT WARNINGS
This book includes:
Graphic
• Alcohol consumption
• Bullying
• Cursing
• Death and injury of parents and family
• Emotional abuse
• Fire/fire injury
• Grief
• Gun violence
• Medical content
• Mental illness (specifically anxiety)
• Murder
• Panic attacks/disorders
• Terminal illness
• Violence
Moderate
• Blood
• Classism
• Misogyny
• Racism
• Toxic relationship
Minor
• Body horror
• Infidelity
• Sexual content (the scene is fade to black)
• Suicide (a supporting character’s suicide is referenced)
Thanks, and happy reading!
***
CONTENT WARNINGS
This book includes:
Graphic
• Alcohol consumption
• Bullying
• Cursing
• Death and injury of parents and family
• Emotional abuse
• Fire/fire injury
• Grief
• Gun violence
• Medical content
• Mental illness (specifically anxiety)
• Murder
• Panic attacks/disorders
• Terminal illness
• Violence
Moderate
• Blood
• Classism
• Misogyny
• Racism
• Toxic relationship
Minor
• Body horror
• Infidelity
• Sexual content (the scene is fade to black)
• Suicide (a supporting character’s suicide is referenced)
May 23, 2025
This book is everything I didn’t know I needed. From the second that I picked it up I was unable to put it down, every page just left me wanting more!!
I am enamored with the writing and the way it transported me into the small magical town that is IdleWood. What may seem like your standard urban fantasy story is actually nothing if not unique, refreshing and unpredictable, I am already anticipating the sequel.
Penny, Alonso and Corey stole my heart from page one, these characters are so raw and charming it was impossible not to root for them. The romance has to be one of the best ones I’ve read in a while, I could feel the connection between them through the pages, I can’t ship them more! The Glittering Edge is without a doubt new favorite for me
I am enamored with the writing and the way it transported me into the small magical town that is IdleWood. What may seem like your standard urban fantasy story is actually nothing if not unique, refreshing and unpredictable, I am already anticipating the sequel.
Penny, Alonso and Corey stole my heart from page one, these characters are so raw and charming it was impossible not to root for them. The romance has to be one of the best ones I’ve read in a while, I could feel the connection between them through the pages, I can’t ship them more! The Glittering Edge is without a doubt new favorite for me
May 19, 2025
3.5 stars
What a fun, witchy YA novel with some drama and light romance. Very nostalgia coded for the 2000-2010s era of paranormal, witchy young adult reads!
The Glittering Edge is your standard young adult fare for novels of this type. I'm not going to sugarcoat it.
It's a small town, there are witches, there is some longstanding drama between two feuding families and it's led to some serious issues causing The Plot to happen. We've also got a "Mary Sue" relatively generic female main character who is, honestly, pretty forgettable—but she's not why we're here, we're here for the feuding witch families and their two attractive, polar-opposite, arch-enemy sons who are going to work with the main female character to solve a curse.
I bet you can tell from my lackluster blurb pitch: yeah, you've read something like this before. You've likely read a lot of novels like this before, if you're like me and you were a young adult reader for the 2000-2010s decades. The Glittering Edge is not trying to be new, or edgy, or subversive in any meaningful way.
HOWEVER. Just because it's a familiar blueprint doesn't mean it's not worth your time. I found this novel to be relatively entertaining, and it was the perfect, no-fuss novel to get me out of a reading slump. I enjoyed the familiar stakes and setups—this blueprint works with so many novels for a reason, folks—and I thought it was a very pleasant way to spend an evening.
If you're interested in the pitch and you're okay with getting exactly what you're expecting, give this a try!
| |
What a fun, witchy YA novel with some drama and light romance. Very nostalgia coded for the 2000-2010s era of paranormal, witchy young adult reads!
The Glittering Edge is your standard young adult fare for novels of this type. I'm not going to sugarcoat it.
It's a small town, there are witches, there is some longstanding drama between two feuding families and it's led to some serious issues causing The Plot to happen. We've also got a "Mary Sue" relatively generic female main character who is, honestly, pretty forgettable—but she's not why we're here, we're here for the feuding witch families and their two attractive, polar-opposite, arch-enemy sons who are going to work with the main female character to solve a curse.
I bet you can tell from my lackluster blurb pitch: yeah, you've read something like this before. You've likely read a lot of novels like this before, if you're like me and you were a young adult reader for the 2000-2010s decades. The Glittering Edge is not trying to be new, or edgy, or subversive in any meaningful way.
HOWEVER. Just because it's a familiar blueprint doesn't mean it's not worth your time. I found this novel to be relatively entertaining, and it was the perfect, no-fuss novel to get me out of a reading slump. I enjoyed the familiar stakes and setups—this blueprint works with so many novels for a reason, folks—and I thought it was a very pleasant way to spend an evening.
If you're interested in the pitch and you're okay with getting exactly what you're expecting, give this a try!
| |
June 30, 2025
2.75 ✩
ㅤㅤㅤㅤHate-ish review below.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤIf you liked this book, scroll.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤI need to rant and get my thoughts out.
┏━━━୨ৎ━━━┓
ㅤspoilers ahead
┗━━━━━━━┛
Thoughts
I'm sorry. I just need to rant about this book. I went into The Glittering Edge with lowish expectations, knowing absolutely nothing about this book besides a hot blue-haired boy. Sue me. I fell for the art and bought it with no hesitation. Let me tell you. WRONG CHOICE. The writing was basic and repetitive. The sentences started off the exact same. Penny this Penny that. Alonso did this Alonso did that. 9 out of 10 times, they would start with a name. The writing felt rushed and boring. I tried, I really did. I've never dnf'ed a book before, so pushing through it was hard. I hoped that something would make me like this book. But nothing really did. When I'm not liking a book, I hang on by the threads of the romance, which didn't really do it for me. I hate love triangles, I stay the hell away from that trope. It's annoying and I don't like it. There was a bit of miscommunication with Alonso and Penny, which I hated. I'm glad they kissed, I ship them instead of Corey and Penny, but I just feel like the romance wasn't enough to make me ignore the garbage writing. I cringed so fucking hard in so many scenes on the book. Why was there a drag show? Why was Alonso wearing robes? He's not in Harry freaking Potter for goodness sake. Even the plot twists didn't shock me. About midway or whatever, everything came together so the last couple of chapters didn't get a reaction out of me. Also, I don't know if it was just me or not but I was so fucking confused and had to repeatedly flip to the family trees at the start of the book. I didn't know who was alive or dead, I didn't know who was the dad, grandpa, mom or aunt. It was confusing and made me like the book less. I also completely forgot some of the characters, so when their names popped up I had no clue who they were until I searched them up and remembered with an 'ohhhh that's who they are.'
Overall
I really disliked this book, yet I'm going to torture myself and read the second book when it comes out because I never leave series unfinished, even when it was one of the worst books I've read this year. 😗✌️
Anyways...overall this book didn't meet my expectations, the writing was garbage, the plot was sort of boring, and I didn't care for literally anything. Live Laugh Love wasting 4 days of my life.
I don't like being harsh, but I needed to, so a 2.75 is the most I'm giving it.
━━━━━━
ღ¸. pre-read
Did I buy the book because of the FairyLoot art? Yes. Will I have ever read it if not? Nope. Have I seen bad reviews of it? Yup. Will I still read it because the art is freaking beautiful?including that blue-haired boy 100 freaking percent yes. I don't really have high hopes for this, But we'll give it a go.
Started: 27/6/2025
Finished: 30/6/2025
ㅤㅤㅤㅤHate-ish review below.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤIf you liked this book, scroll.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤI need to rant and get my thoughts out.
┏━━━୨ৎ━━━┓
ㅤspoilers ahead
┗━━━━━━━┛
Thoughts
I'm sorry. I just need to rant about this book. I went into The Glittering Edge with lowish expectations, knowing absolutely nothing about this book besides a hot blue-haired boy. Sue me. I fell for the art and bought it with no hesitation. Let me tell you. WRONG CHOICE. The writing was basic and repetitive. The sentences started off the exact same. Penny this Penny that. Alonso did this Alonso did that. 9 out of 10 times, they would start with a name. The writing felt rushed and boring. I tried, I really did. I've never dnf'ed a book before, so pushing through it was hard. I hoped that something would make me like this book. But nothing really did. When I'm not liking a book, I hang on by the threads of the romance, which didn't really do it for me. I hate love triangles, I stay the hell away from that trope. It's annoying and I don't like it. There was a bit of miscommunication with Alonso and Penny, which I hated. I'm glad they kissed, I ship them instead of Corey and Penny, but I just feel like the romance wasn't enough to make me ignore the garbage writing. I cringed so fucking hard in so many scenes on the book. Why was there a drag show? Why was Alonso wearing robes? He's not in Harry freaking Potter for goodness sake. Even the plot twists didn't shock me. About midway or whatever, everything came together so the last couple of chapters didn't get a reaction out of me. Also, I don't know if it was just me or not but I was so fucking confused and had to repeatedly flip to the family trees at the start of the book. I didn't know who was alive or dead, I didn't know who was the dad, grandpa, mom or aunt. It was confusing and made me like the book less. I also completely forgot some of the characters, so when their names popped up I had no clue who they were until I searched them up and remembered with an 'ohhhh that's who they are.'
Overall
I really disliked this book, yet I'm going to torture myself and read the second book when it comes out because I never leave series unfinished, even when it was one of the worst books I've read this year. 😗✌️
Anyways...overall this book didn't meet my expectations, the writing was garbage, the plot was sort of boring, and I didn't care for literally anything. Live Laugh Love wasting 4 days of my life.
I don't like being harsh, but I needed to, so a 2.75 is the most I'm giving it.
━━━━━━
ღ¸. pre-read
Did I buy the book because of the FairyLoot art? Yes. Will I have ever read it if not? Nope. Have I seen bad reviews of it? Yup. Will I still read it because the art is freaking beautiful?
Started: 27/6/2025
Finished: 30/6/2025
April 30, 2025
My main reason to request a digital review copy of this book through Netgalley was the cover. It might be a little morbid, but I love it when the hearts on cover are less romantic and more anatomical. The second reason was the promise of a gothic dark romance with magic and a love triangle. I know some people are done with love triangles, but I love them. Luckily Penguin granted me a review copy and I could start reading.
This book has a lot of amazing qualities and I was constantly looking forward to reading more. The characters are for sure a highlight of this book. They're teens, so they have teenage issues and there is some teenage drama, but they're also easy to like. Their issues and problems might be supernatural, but they're in a way also very relatable. It's easy to understand why these characters feel what they feel and do what they do, even if it's not always the right thing.
I also loved the magic and the plot. Everything seems quite simple in the beginning of the book, but quite soon we discover that maybe this is more complicated than we think and more might be going on. The finale was one big rollercoaster of exciting scenes, reveals, loads of danger and characters slowly showing their true self. And although it seemed for a while that this could be a standalone, I'm really excited that we're gonna get another book in the series!
And then there's the love triangle. Is everyone gonna love it? Most certainly not. Do I already have a preference for a certain guy to get the girl? Most certainly yes. Does the love triangle work for this story? Absolutely! I think the love triangle is even needed to make this plot work. It's the only reason why Penny would be able to get the two guys to work together. I'm mostly excited about the next book in the series because of this: There's some delicious drama on the horizon!
This book has a lot of amazing qualities and I was constantly looking forward to reading more. The characters are for sure a highlight of this book. They're teens, so they have teenage issues and there is some teenage drama, but they're also easy to like. Their issues and problems might be supernatural, but they're in a way also very relatable. It's easy to understand why these characters feel what they feel and do what they do, even if it's not always the right thing.
I also loved the magic and the plot. Everything seems quite simple in the beginning of the book, but quite soon we discover that maybe this is more complicated than we think and more might be going on. The finale was one big rollercoaster of exciting scenes, reveals, loads of danger and characters slowly showing their true self. And although it seemed for a while that this could be a standalone, I'm really excited that we're gonna get another book in the series!
And then there's the love triangle. Is everyone gonna love it? Most certainly not. Do I already have a preference for a certain guy to get the girl? Most certainly yes. Does the love triangle work for this story? Absolutely! I think the love triangle is even needed to make this plot work. It's the only reason why Penny would be able to get the two guys to work together. I'm mostly excited about the next book in the series because of this: There's some delicious drama on the horizon!
June 1, 2025
PLOT TWIST. Hello. This was great!! Major Raven Boys vibes which I loved. A mysterious curse and lots of drama.
February 13, 2025
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Yeah, this was sweet. A little, small-town magical YA novel, easy to read and well-written.
What I loved most about this book were the characters, especially Penny and her family. Being raised by a single mom and an old gay man who co-owns the café, putting on drag shows, and being a normal small-town family, until, of course, the plot happens. But the interactions between Penny and her mom are so sweet and warm, they made me feel like I was being hugged, even though I was alone on my couch. Villaire really did nail that dynamic, especially considering that Penny's mom is absent through most of the book.
Corey is another stand-out for me. He's a gentler sort of boy, especially in comparison to the other person in this love triangle, and I was so rooting for him.
And therein lies the issue.
I think I'm to old for love triangles by now. They don't hold any kind of appeal anymore. I suppose they never really did, but by now, at the ripe old age of 27 (years old - I have no money and no prospects - I am already a burden to my parents - and I'm frightened) I simply cannot be bothered to care about love triangles anymore. Especially because in this iteration, Penny clearly chose the wrong boy at the end.
But who knows. This is only the start of the series. Maybe things'll change.
Alonso, the third in this triangle, was also a standout character, but more in the negative sense. I hated his pseudo bad-boy act, and his weird relationship with Penny. There's a sentence near the end of the book, and I'm sorry that I don't remember it exactly, but it was something like this: "Penny wouldn't have wanted him to act impulsively, but if she truly wanted that, she wouldn't have worn that dress." And I was just like, "ew!". It also seemed like Penny didn't even really have chemistry with him; she's always happier and more balanced in Corey's presence. But then, these are teenagers. Nothing they do feels rational to me, since I am now ten years older than they are, and tbh, I don't really remember much of being a teenager. Seems like a Me issue, I suppose.
That's another thing, though. I'm not sure I can say that I have aged out of YA, since I still read and actively enjoy both my old favorites and new iterations of the genre, but this one felt especially juvenile to me. Sure, there is a vague sex scene, but there was just such youth and inexperience that permeated both the story and the plot - it all felt very strange. Maybe I really am just getting old. But ultimately, I can't change how I feel. I know a lot of people will love this book, and I would totally recommend it for others, but for me ... I'll stick to something else. Just need to figure out what.
Yeah, this was sweet. A little, small-town magical YA novel, easy to read and well-written.
What I loved most about this book were the characters, especially Penny and her family. Being raised by a single mom and an old gay man who co-owns the café, putting on drag shows, and being a normal small-town family, until, of course, the plot happens. But the interactions between Penny and her mom are so sweet and warm, they made me feel like I was being hugged, even though I was alone on my couch. Villaire really did nail that dynamic, especially considering that Penny's mom is absent through most of the book.
Corey is another stand-out for me. He's a gentler sort of boy, especially in comparison to the other person in this love triangle, and I was so rooting for him.
And therein lies the issue.
I think I'm to old for love triangles by now. They don't hold any kind of appeal anymore. I suppose they never really did, but by now, at the ripe old age of 27 (years old - I have no money and no prospects - I am already a burden to my parents - and I'm frightened) I simply cannot be bothered to care about love triangles anymore. Especially because in this iteration, Penny clearly chose the wrong boy at the end.
But who knows. This is only the start of the series. Maybe things'll change.
Alonso, the third in this triangle, was also a standout character, but more in the negative sense. I hated his pseudo bad-boy act, and his weird relationship with Penny. There's a sentence near the end of the book, and I'm sorry that I don't remember it exactly, but it was something like this: "Penny wouldn't have wanted him to act impulsively, but if she truly wanted that, she wouldn't have worn that dress." And I was just like, "ew!". It also seemed like Penny didn't even really have chemistry with him; she's always happier and more balanced in Corey's presence. But then, these are teenagers. Nothing they do feels rational to me, since I am now ten years older than they are, and tbh, I don't really remember much of being a teenager. Seems like a Me issue, I suppose.
That's another thing, though. I'm not sure I can say that I have aged out of YA, since I still read and actively enjoy both my old favorites and new iterations of the genre, but this one felt especially juvenile to me. Sure, there is a vague sex scene, but there was just such youth and inexperience that permeated both the story and the plot - it all felt very strange. Maybe I really am just getting old. But ultimately, I can't change how I feel. I know a lot of people will love this book, and I would totally recommend it for others, but for me ... I'll stick to something else. Just need to figure out what.
May 13, 2025
10/10 YA occult vibes right here.
With its darkly magical atmosphere, deadly curses, feuding family secrets, a classic YA nice guy-bad boy love/friendship triangle and majorly high stakes, Alyssa Villaire had me in the palm of her hand with this story.
It’s character driven without sacrificing on action or plot and the characters, with their ‘sure, let’s take on the world without the help of adults to really thinking anything through’ attitude, actually felt like real teens.
I am such a huge fan of contemporary/urban fantasy and I think Villaire absolutely did genre justice with this. It was just so much fun and I’m already eagerly awaiting book two (the ending left me no choice in the matter).
what to expect:
• deadly curses
• family feuds
• love triangle (kinda)
• he falls first
• anxiety rep (fmc)
• black mmc
• discussions of topics such as racism and mental health
• witchy magic
• small town with a big reputation
• nimble the ghost kitty
With its darkly magical atmosphere, deadly curses, feuding family secrets, a classic YA nice guy-bad boy love/friendship triangle and majorly high stakes, Alyssa Villaire had me in the palm of her hand with this story.
It’s character driven without sacrificing on action or plot and the characters, with their ‘sure, let’s take on the world without the help of adults to really thinking anything through’ attitude, actually felt like real teens.
I am such a huge fan of contemporary/urban fantasy and I think Villaire absolutely did genre justice with this. It was just so much fun and I’m already eagerly awaiting book two (the ending left me no choice in the matter).
what to expect:
• deadly curses
• family feuds
• love triangle (kinda)
• he falls first
• anxiety rep (fmc)
• black mmc
• discussions of topics such as racism and mental health
• witchy magic
• small town with a big reputation
• nimble the ghost kitty
May 4, 2025
Was it predicable, yes? But did I absolutely eat it up, ALSO YES. perfect mix for a gorgeous easy read
dnf
March 8, 2025DNF at 19%. Minor spoilers up to that point.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC, but unfortunately this book was not for me.
I found myself desperately searching for any semblance of PLOT? So two families are feuding and one is cursed by the other so their lovers die. The magical family doesn’t have magic bc this never-explained “Council” took their magic…. 🧐 And over the past 50 yrs, 11 people have died in their family yet they all easily keep having babies before they die bc they have a pendant that keeps them alive for a few years……. 😐 It is all so FLIMSY.
Meanwhile, the cursed boy has never cared about this FMC but immediately upon hearing her mom is in a coma due to his family, he just TELLS her about the curse??? What??? And the magical boy (who yes has magic even when his family doesn’t ….) is obsessed with the FMC even though they’ve legit never talked??? And the FMC is a “I want to be invisible” girl who also “has a backbone” according to the cursed boy because she, with no knowledge of magic, is like “why are you giving up so easily?” 😐😐😐
Guys. This is flimsy. It feels like there’s no point to the whole book? And this is a duology where the first book is over 400 pages? What’s the plot here??? They break the curse, cool? Like…. I tried to give it some time to give me anything but I can’t take the nothing anymore.
So I’m done.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC, but unfortunately this book was not for me.
I found myself desperately searching for any semblance of PLOT? So two families are feuding and one is cursed by the other so their lovers die. The magical family doesn’t have magic bc this never-explained “Council” took their magic…. 🧐 And over the past 50 yrs, 11 people have died in their family yet they all easily keep having babies before they die bc they have a pendant that keeps them alive for a few years……. 😐 It is all so FLIMSY.
Meanwhile, the cursed boy has never cared about this FMC but immediately upon hearing her mom is in a coma due to his family, he just TELLS her about the curse??? What??? And the magical boy (who yes has magic even when his family doesn’t ….) is obsessed with the FMC even though they’ve legit never talked??? And the FMC is a “I want to be invisible” girl who also “has a backbone” according to the cursed boy because she, with no knowledge of magic, is like “why are you giving up so easily?” 😐😐😐
Guys. This is flimsy. It feels like there’s no point to the whole book? And this is a duology where the first book is over 400 pages? What’s the plot here??? They break the curse, cool? Like…. I tried to give it some time to give me anything but I can’t take the nothing anymore.
So I’m done.
July 7, 2023
I had the great joy of reading an early version of this, and Villaire's debut is going to DELIGHT you all. Penny is a protagonist you root for from the very first page—full of heart and integrity, but surrounded by secrets she doesn't understand. The romance is full of all the electricity of first loves that feel world-shattering and life-ending (and, in this case, they really might be...); the small-town Midwestern vibes are both charming and eerie; and the characters are three-dimensional, both larger-than-life and sensitively-drawn (would die for Alonso). You won't be able to put it down, and then you'll be joining me in eagerly waiting for the next...
February 6, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
My, oh, my was this good.
This book is the literal definition of engaging, keeping you on your toes, and a page-turner. There were several nights when I just wanted to read this. The found family pulled on my heartstrings, and Alonso and Penny deserve everything.
Do not touch my baby boy, Alonso, please, I beg of you Alyssa, please.
My, oh, my was this good.
This book is the literal definition of engaging, keeping you on your toes, and a page-turner. There were several nights when I just wanted to read this. The found family pulled on my heartstrings, and Alonso and Penny deserve everything.
Do not touch my baby boy, Alonso, please, I beg of you Alyssa, please.
May 9, 2025
In the town of Idlewood the residents have known about the feud between the wealthy Barrions and the De Luca witches for decades, even though nobody really knows the extend of it. But when Penny Emberly's mother becomes the next victim of the curse at the root of the conflict, Penny knows she will try to do everything in her power to bring her mother back to her. So when she manages to convince Corey Barrion and Alonso De Luca to try and unravel the curse, even with all their animosity there seems to be way more going on than any of them could have imagined.
Pro's:
+ This is one high-energy story, loads of action scenes and I really liked the magical investigation that laid the groundwork for all of this. I felt all the tense moments and there really are some great ones in this book.
+ I felt like this book was really character-driven and the author did a really great job in creating some compelling and interesting characters. Penny, Corey and Alonso are all so different, you wouldn't really imagine them working together in a regular setting.
+ I loved the art and design of the Fairyloot edition I have of this book, the artist really managed to capture the energy of this book in a couple of pictures and the foil-design on this edition is really pretty.
Con's:
- The ending was a little bit cliche if you ask me, but I know that we need some set-up for the second book. I wonder how far the author will go though in the next book, as we're not really deep into the witchy stuff in this book thus far.
Very surprising, but I loved this book so much. It had a tiny bit 'breakfast club' vibes, with our three very mis-matched leading characters, but the investigative angle was really well done and there was enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat. With this glorious Fairyloot edition, that matched the vibe of this book really well, and since I read this book in one sitting, I cannot do anything else than give this book all the stars. I'm already looking forward to the second part of this story, this was really fun.
Pro's:
+ This is one high-energy story, loads of action scenes and I really liked the magical investigation that laid the groundwork for all of this. I felt all the tense moments and there really are some great ones in this book.
+ I felt like this book was really character-driven and the author did a really great job in creating some compelling and interesting characters. Penny, Corey and Alonso are all so different, you wouldn't really imagine them working together in a regular setting.
+ I loved the art and design of the Fairyloot edition I have of this book, the artist really managed to capture the energy of this book in a couple of pictures and the foil-design on this edition is really pretty.
Con's:
- The ending was a little bit cliche if you ask me, but I know that we need some set-up for the second book. I wonder how far the author will go though in the next book, as we're not really deep into the witchy stuff in this book thus far.
Very surprising, but I loved this book so much. It had a tiny bit 'breakfast club' vibes, with our three very mis-matched leading characters, but the investigative angle was really well done and there was enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat. With this glorious Fairyloot edition, that matched the vibe of this book really well, and since I read this book in one sitting, I cannot do anything else than give this book all the stars. I'm already looking forward to the second part of this story, this was really fun.
May 15, 2025
4.5 stars WAAAAIT TEA THIS WAS SO GOOD. i keep telling everyone that this book is like if a CW show was a book AND I MEAN THAT AS THE HIGHEST COMPLIMENT. so well-written, so immersive, and i was SO sat for the journey to saving Penny’s mom and breaking the Barrion curse. i’m so excited for book 2!!!
May 26, 2025
4.5 stars
May 15, 2025
This was definitely an interesting concept, but the characters and writing were kind of lackluster. I am a little interested to see what happens in the final installment, but I don’t know if it’s enough to make me pick up the sequel when it comes out. RTC
May 22, 2025
This book? Gave me everything. Family curses, slow-burn tension, magical drama, and a group chat that had me CACKLING. Seriously—The Glittering Edge is like if Practical Magic got dunked in Gen Z sarcasm and small-town secrets, then dusted with just enough romance to make your heart flutter.
We follow Penny Emberly, a barista trying to keep her life together while her mom mysteriously falls into a coma (as one does). Enter Corey: ex-crush and bearer of magical bad news. To untangle the mess, Penny has to team up with Alonso De Luca, the dark-and-brooding member of a rival magical family. Alonso and Corey? No likey each other.
What really made this shine was the multiple POVs. Reading from Penny, Corey, and Alonso’s perspectives meant you were always a few steps ahead of the drama—or at least thought you were.
Also, THE GROUP CHAT. Authors have been tossing texts into books for a while now, but this one actually nailed it. The humor was so on point.
“Did you use magic to get my number?”
“Caller ID. Magic straight from the 1990s.”
I need this embroidered on a t-shirt or something.
And can we talk about Penny and Alonso?? Their chemistry felt natural. No insta-love, just slow, believable tension that builds into something you genuinely root for. But I won’t lie… Corey’s giving off just enough pining energy that while looking into my crystal ball I’m seeing a love triangle in book two. Let chaos reign supreme!
The ending? Oh, it SNAPPED. A twist so sharp I had to reread it twice just to make sure I didn’t hallucinate. Needless to say, I’m feral for the sequel!
This one’s perfect for fans of sharp banter, magical messiness, and that sweet-spot between cozy and chaotic. Add it to your TBR, and prepare to spiral.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
We follow Penny Emberly, a barista trying to keep her life together while her mom mysteriously falls into a coma (as one does). Enter Corey: ex-crush and bearer of magical bad news. To untangle the mess, Penny has to team up with Alonso De Luca, the dark-and-brooding member of a rival magical family. Alonso and Corey? No likey each other.
What really made this shine was the multiple POVs. Reading from Penny, Corey, and Alonso’s perspectives meant you were always a few steps ahead of the drama—or at least thought you were.
Also, THE GROUP CHAT. Authors have been tossing texts into books for a while now, but this one actually nailed it. The humor was so on point.
“Did you use magic to get my number?”
“Caller ID. Magic straight from the 1990s.”
I need this embroidered on a t-shirt or something.
And can we talk about Penny and Alonso?? Their chemistry felt natural. No insta-love, just slow, believable tension that builds into something you genuinely root for. But I won’t lie… Corey’s giving off just enough pining energy that while looking into my crystal ball I’m seeing a love triangle in book two. Let chaos reign supreme!
The ending? Oh, it SNAPPED. A twist so sharp I had to reread it twice just to make sure I didn’t hallucinate. Needless to say, I’m feral for the sequel!
This one’s perfect for fans of sharp banter, magical messiness, and that sweet-spot between cozy and chaotic. Add it to your TBR, and prepare to spiral.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 17, 2025
I first texted people about this book 29 pages in. I had my first audible reaction at 32 pages in. This book delighted me from start to finish. These characters are my precious children and I will protect them with my life. My heart hurts. I need the sequel asap.
May 13, 2025
What the fawk😀😀😀 Ending a book like that is just inhumane but OH MY GOD the last line was BARS. Thank you fairly look for bringing this into my life I had such a fun time. It was a slowish start but boy oh boy did it pick up. Alonso can kiss me in the lips anytime he wants btw
June 14, 2025
Reading The Glittering Edge felt like watching a 90s movie but with more diversity, mental health rep, and modern technology (group chats on the page! Which I actually didn’t hate). It was written in a very YA voice, which I wouldn’t expect I’d like, but it was honestly a really fun time. Read this when you want to escape reality without spending all your brain power on it, or if you are feeling nostalgic for witchy high schoolers 🫶
💯 Team Alonso ✨ 🐈⬛ 💙
💯 Team Alonso ✨ 🐈⬛ 💙
May 8, 2025
(Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review)
I really wanted to enjoy this one as it had a lot of elements I usually love: witches, small-town vibes, romance and magic. But sadly, it just didn’t land for me, and I found myself feeling pretty bored and disconnected the whole way through.
The characters were probably my biggest issue. They all felt a bit flat and surface-level, like they were being moved around the story without much depth or development. I kept waiting for something more to come through like emotional growth or a big twist but it never really happened. The attempted love triangle also didn’t help. It felt forced and lacked chemistry and I just couldn’t buy into the relationships at all. The only dynamic I genuinely liked was between Penny and her mum as their bond felt real and warm.
The magical world had so much potential, but it wasn’t explored enough. We’re told there’s magic and witches exist, but there’s barely any explanation of how it all works or what the rules of the world are. There were so many interesting directions it could have gone in but instead it felt vague and underdeveloped.
Plot-wise, the book is over 400 pages so you’d expect a lot to happen but weirdly, not much does. The story feels a bit aimless and scattered, with no real depth or tension to keep things moving. I was hoping for more mystery or stakes, something to make me care about what was going on but it just never clicked.
Overall, this one had a lot of potential but didn’t quite follow through. The relationships and romance felt flat, the worldbuilding left me with more questions than answers and the plot just kind of drifted. A few sweet moments kept it from being a total miss but it wasn’t the gripping magical read I hoped for.
I really wanted to enjoy this one as it had a lot of elements I usually love: witches, small-town vibes, romance and magic. But sadly, it just didn’t land for me, and I found myself feeling pretty bored and disconnected the whole way through.
The characters were probably my biggest issue. They all felt a bit flat and surface-level, like they were being moved around the story without much depth or development. I kept waiting for something more to come through like emotional growth or a big twist but it never really happened. The attempted love triangle also didn’t help. It felt forced and lacked chemistry and I just couldn’t buy into the relationships at all. The only dynamic I genuinely liked was between Penny and her mum as their bond felt real and warm.
The magical world had so much potential, but it wasn’t explored enough. We’re told there’s magic and witches exist, but there’s barely any explanation of how it all works or what the rules of the world are. There were so many interesting directions it could have gone in but instead it felt vague and underdeveloped.
Plot-wise, the book is over 400 pages so you’d expect a lot to happen but weirdly, not much does. The story feels a bit aimless and scattered, with no real depth or tension to keep things moving. I was hoping for more mystery or stakes, something to make me care about what was going on but it just never clicked.
Overall, this one had a lot of potential but didn’t quite follow through. The relationships and romance felt flat, the worldbuilding left me with more questions than answers and the plot just kind of drifted. A few sweet moments kept it from being a total miss but it wasn’t the gripping magical read I hoped for.
May 15, 2025
This book is terrible. FairyLoot should be ashamed of themselves for foisting this trash on us. The author cannot write and chose a novel with high schoolers to constantly push an unnecessary agenda where everyone is out to get black people and the white man is evil. I would have happily given up on this but she got me with the cat and Alonso. Which is the sad part because Alonso is sweet which shows the author could have actually written this as a novel worth reading but instead chose her agenda and really bad behavior for teens which makes this novel one that won’t have an audience because it’s too terrible for all ages. There’s actually a theme of not believing rumors and the consequences of that which would obviously be great for teens but this book is unnecessarily filled with teens drinking and having gratuitous sex. One character is literally using a girl for sex and that same girl is then using a different guy for sex hoping to make the first guy jealous. Great messaging. The author is so unimaginative that she made one family rich owning a cooling company. Now sure there could be money in that, but enough to warrant a bodyguard who is never explained? That’s the business that explains that? It’s as ludicrous as much of the bad writing. There are ridiculous fights and annoying scenes. This small town in Indiana has a drag show for and with high schoolers because of course the author obsessed with race and ok with horrible behavior for teens would add that. This book is clearly unnecessarily setting up a sequel by leaving far too much unresolved. I obviously will never read anything she writes again.
May 9, 2025
NetGalley ARC & Paperback ARC Received From @TheNOVL.
Interesting but the writing was very childish. I know it's YA but at times it felt even younger. Some of it didn't make sense because there wasn't enough backstory on the Council, witches and covens, who has magic, etc. And the cover art is awful. FairyLoot put out a BEAUTIFUL special edition for May's YA box. The title? After reading the book, also doesn't make sense. I don't think I'll be interested in the sequel.
I received this advance copy for promotional purposes. #lbyrpartner
Interesting but the writing was very childish. I know it's YA but at times it felt even younger. Some of it didn't make sense because there wasn't enough backstory on the Council, witches and covens, who has magic, etc. And the cover art is awful. FairyLoot put out a BEAUTIFUL special edition for May's YA box. The title? After reading the book, also doesn't make sense. I don't think I'll be interested in the sequel.
I received this advance copy for promotional purposes. #lbyrpartner
May 28, 2025
✨4.5 stars ✨
’It's one thing to try to break a curse and save her mom's life. But this feels different-because when does magic go too far?’
First off, thank you to Penguin Random House Australia for sending me a copy of this book for reviewing purposes!
What to expect in this
* Decades long family feud
* Witches
* Small town
* The impact of rumors
* Curses
* Gothic fantasy
* Love triangle
What a ride. I knew from the premise of this book that I was going to enjoy it but actually reading it, blown away.
It had moments where I was laughing, stressed out, and swooning. My emotions were like a roller coaster.
I really enjoyed our main three characters, Penny, Alonso, and Corey. They were all so different to one another but brought together to all fight one curse that impacted their families. I thought it was an interesting dynamic and I really enjoyed how the author not only grew their characters but grew their relationship.
This storyline was insane. I was never bored truly. All I wanted to do was unfold the secrets about the curse behind this decades long feud between Alonsos and Corey’s families. And the haunting atmosphere that we got from the Veil and the dark magic was so well done and interesting! I really enjoyed it!
I am gonna need the next book asap though. I can’t believe I have been left hanging like that after all the STRESS I was left with! But yes, 100% give this one a read. Team Alonso over here I must say, I have to say the whole frogs in the lab story is what sold it for me, IYKYK!
Check TWs and CWs
Happy reading 🩶
’It's one thing to try to break a curse and save her mom's life. But this feels different-because when does magic go too far?’
First off, thank you to Penguin Random House Australia for sending me a copy of this book for reviewing purposes!
What to expect in this
* Decades long family feud
* Witches
* Small town
* The impact of rumors
* Curses
* Gothic fantasy
* Love triangle
What a ride. I knew from the premise of this book that I was going to enjoy it but actually reading it, blown away.
It had moments where I was laughing, stressed out, and swooning. My emotions were like a roller coaster.
I really enjoyed our main three characters, Penny, Alonso, and Corey. They were all so different to one another but brought together to all fight one curse that impacted their families. I thought it was an interesting dynamic and I really enjoyed how the author not only grew their characters but grew their relationship.
This storyline was insane. I was never bored truly. All I wanted to do was unfold the secrets about the curse behind this decades long feud between Alonsos and Corey’s families. And the haunting atmosphere that we got from the Veil and the dark magic was so well done and interesting! I really enjoyed it!
I am gonna need the next book asap though. I can’t believe I have been left hanging like that after all the STRESS I was left with! But yes, 100% give this one a read. Team Alonso over here I must say, I have to say the whole frogs in the lab story is what sold it for me, IYKYK!
Check TWs and CWs
Happy reading 🩶
June 9, 2025
Un très chouette 4,5⭐️
(On verra si j’augmente la note quand il aura un peu vieilli dans ma tête).
Je l’ai défoncé en une journée ! 🫣🤣
Honnêtement, j’ai commencé cette lecture en me disant : “ouais, tranquille ! On a tous les marqueurs (clichés?) du récit YA américain… je vais le lire sans me prendre la tête en mode “plaisir coupable qui me rappelle la trilogie du samedi soir” 🤣”
Alors, me suis-je sentie coupable ? Pas du tout ! Je me suis de plus en plus investie dans les mystères de l’intrigue qui (thanks god !) s’est complexifiée ! J’ai pesté contre un personnage (ou deux 🤣) et me suis hyper investie dans leurs relations.
Alonso est devenu un chouchou. J’ai kiffé toutes les scènes de magie ! 😍
La version (assez attendue) de certains personnages a bien évolué au fil de l’histoire et j’ai de sacrés attentes sur le tome 2 !
Et la fin !!! Je me doutais que ça allait finir comme ça, mais bon… mon petit cœur a fait un grand huit émotionnel sur les 60 dernières pages.
Bref.
C’était cool ! Et je me suis fait happer comme avec une bonne série tv! 🤣
C’est quand le tome 2 ? C’est pas pour moi, je demande pour une amie… 😇
(On verra si j’augmente la note quand il aura un peu vieilli dans ma tête).
Je l’ai défoncé en une journée ! 🫣🤣
Honnêtement, j’ai commencé cette lecture en me disant : “ouais, tranquille ! On a tous les marqueurs (clichés?) du récit YA américain… je vais le lire sans me prendre la tête en mode “plaisir coupable qui me rappelle la trilogie du samedi soir” 🤣”
Alors, me suis-je sentie coupable ? Pas du tout ! Je me suis de plus en plus investie dans les mystères de l’intrigue qui (thanks god !) s’est complexifiée ! J’ai pesté contre un personnage (ou deux 🤣) et me suis hyper investie dans leurs relations.
Alonso est devenu un chouchou. J’ai kiffé toutes les scènes de magie ! 😍
La version (assez attendue) de certains personnages a bien évolué au fil de l’histoire et j’ai de sacrés attentes sur le tome 2 !
Et la fin !!! Je me doutais que ça allait finir comme ça, mais bon… mon petit cœur a fait un grand huit émotionnel sur les 60 dernières pages.
Bref.
C’était cool ! Et je me suis fait happer comme avec une bonne série tv! 🤣
C’est quand le tome 2 ? C’est pas pour moi, je demande pour une amie… 😇
May 28, 2025
a solid four stars!
this was a well-written and planned-out book, but sadly there was just something missing—maybe the pull that connects you with the world and characters. but also, my biggest issue with this book was that the characters kept behaving like completely different people every few chapters, and what they did or said just didn’t match with their established personalities..
anyways, other than that, fun book! and i lovedddd the fact that the ‘love triangle’ wasn’t really one—which would probably disappoint some people, but for someone like me who dislikes them, i was sooo happy. and i was even happier to find out my favourite mmc and Penny are together hehehehe
nimbles definitely my favourite character 🤣
can’t wait for book 2 because omg the ending! DON’T HURT ALONSO PLEASE
this was a well-written and planned-out book, but sadly there was just something missing—maybe the pull that connects you with the world and characters. but also, my biggest issue with this book was that the characters kept behaving like completely different people every few chapters, and what they did or said just didn’t match with their established personalities..
anyways, other than that, fun book! and i lovedddd the fact that the ‘love triangle’ wasn’t really one—which would probably disappoint some people, but for someone like me who dislikes them, i was sooo happy. and i was even happier to find out my favourite mmc and Penny are together hehehehe
nimbles definitely my favourite character 🤣
can’t wait for book 2 because omg the ending! DON’T HURT ALONSO PLEASE
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